Do you prioritise performance and pleasure when it comes to driving? Then a rear-wheel drive (RWD) car could be for you.
While front-wheel drives (FWDs) are renowned for being practical and efficient, RWDs are powerful and sporty. It’s not that RWDs can’t cope with the school run – they’re just made with something more fun in mind!
So, what’s good about RWDs? As the name suggests, RWDs are powered from the rear wheels only, with the front wheels focused on steering. They also have a more even weight distribution than their FWD rivals. All this allows for faster acceleration, sharper turning and a more responsive driving experience overall.
There are downsides, of course. RWDs aren’t great in bad weather – something to bear in mind, considering how much rain we have here in the UK. They also tend to be smaller and pricier than their FWD counterparts. Nevertheless, if you’re keen on driving something fun and sporty, a RWD could be a great option.
To help you decide which model is right for you, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the best RWDs on the market right now. Whether you’re looking for an agile EV, an affordable roadster or pure driving performance, our list has something for you!
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MG Cyberster
The Cyberster’s performance matches its looks - which comes as no surprise, considering Formula One engineer Marco Fainello was brought in to oversee its chassis tuning.
This stunning roadster is as sporty as they come, with two electronically opening scissor doors and a folding soft top.
It’s a heavyweight car at 1920kg but the steering feels light and responsive, as with most RWDs. Other performance pluses include a whopping 335bhp, acceleration from 0-62mph in a nimble 4.6 seconds, a braking distance of 33 metres - and a CLTC (Chinese Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of 360 miles.
The convertible roof closes in 10 seconds, even whilst driving up to 32 mph – which is very handy during rainy weather. You’ll want to keep the Nappa leather interior dry.
While the MG Cyberster isn’t yet available to buy, it’s due to go on sale in the UK this summer, with an estimated £60,000 price tag.
Kia EV9 Air
As we mentioned previously, one of the major drawbacks associated with RWDs is their relative lack of space.
Enter the Kia EV9 Air. A giant among RWDs, this seven-seater all-electric SUV is over five metres long with a 3.1 metre wheelbase, a 300-litre boot AND a 90-litre front boot.
However, some sacrifices were made. What you gain in roominess you lose in acceleration and power, with the Kia EV9 Air only managing 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and 204hp from its 99.8kWh battery.
Having said that, it’s still a fun drive - and if you’re after an RWD car with the practicality of a FWD, the Kia EV9 Air is a great choice. Prices start from £64,245.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
RWDs are renowned for their fast acceleration, but the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan takes things to another level entirely, going from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and hitting a top speed of 191 mph.
All this is made possible by its 2.9L Ferrari-inspired twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which offers an awe-inspiring 520hp at 6,500 RPM. Despite (or maybe because of) the amount of power below you, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is an agile, responsive and fun drive.
However, like many RWDs, it’s a pricey option at £78,195 before you’ve even started with any add-ons or customisations - and there are plenty available, including a Driver Assistance Package at just over £2,000.
Genesis G80
The second saloon on our list, the Genesis G80 is a high-end, high-tech RWD car, that’s built for comfort and leisure, with smart cruise control, heated seats and keyless entry as standard.
Performance-wise, it keeps up with other RWDs, offering 304hp and acceleration from 0-62 mph in a sprightly six seconds. It’s also pretty spacious inside, with five seats and 424 litres of boot space.
Prices start at £43,100, but you may find yourself paying much more. There are many desirable high-tech options on offer, including Lane Following and Smart Parking Assist, rear entertainment screens and augmented reality displays.
Opting for the Sport Line trim adds many more attractive features including glossy dark chrome detailing, black headlight bezels, 19” alloys, quilted Nappa leather seats, three-zone climate control – and a 14.5” touchscreen.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse
2024 has seen a new range of quintessentially American muscle cars released in the UK, including the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a RWD that’s built for thrills.
With a loud exhaust, powerful V8 engine, special handbrake for those fun drifts - and a handsome exterior, this is a car that wants to be seen and heard.
Acceleration is pretty fast, even for an RWD, reaching 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, whilst managing a top speed of 166 mph. You’ll really need to head out to a track and do a few laps to get the most out of this Dark Horse and it’s made-to-play design.
The entry-level price is £67,725 but the many performance and design customisations can boost that figure considerably.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The third all-electric RWD on our list, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one we had to include, given that it won ‘World Car of the Year’, ‘World Electric Vehicle’ and ‘World Car Design of the Year’ at the 2023 World Car Awards.
The Ioniq 6 does what all RWDs should; reaching 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and delivering 229PS. It comes with two steering modes, three pedal sensitivity modes and three motor output modes, so you can choose the exact levels of power and responsiveness you desire.
The Ioniq 6 is full of smart tech to make your driving life easier, including driver assist systems and in-car updates. It’s an attractive looking car, too - with sleek and futuristic styling throughout, whilst avoiding many of the space issues that plague some RWDs. Pricing starts at £47,040.
Mazda MX-5 Roadster
Another true sports car on our list: the 2024 version of this zippy RWD convertible roadster is a fast, fun drive with a lightweight feel and sharp, sensitive steering. With 181bhp, the MX-5 Roadster can go from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds - and reach a top speed of 136 mph. So, power and performance-wise, it can certainly hold its own.
Like many small roadsters, taller and larger drivers may find the Mazda MX-5 to be a little cramped. If you’re over six feet tall, it’s especially important to take a test drive before buying to ensure the ride comfort is to your liking.
With prices starting from just £28,000 for the entry-level model, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster offers excellent value for those seeking a fun, sporty driving experience.
BMW i4 eDrive40
The BMW i4 eDrive40, looks like a classic, sporty five-seater BMW gran coupe in every sense. The standard model gives you 335bhp, acceleration from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and delivers a range of roughly 367 miles. Battery upgrades that can increase the power, acceleration and range are available.
Whilst the i4 eDrive40 might not be as fun as some of the cars on our list, it still ticks all the right boxes for an RWD in terms of performance, whilst comparing favourably with its FWD rivals when it comes to space.
There are plenty of options if you want high-tech add-ons or exterior customisation, although they will of course raise costs considerably higher than the £49,940 standard model price.
Cupra Tavascan
Our second electric SUV, the Cupra Tavascan is a roomy RWD with a host of high-tech inclusions and options to make it a smooth, fun drive.
Its 77kWh battery provides 285ps, acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, a top speed of 111 mph – and a range of 339 miles. With five seats and 540 litres of boot space, it’s also a great option for a family car.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Travel Assist 2.6 - and a SENNHEISER® Sound System with 12 speakers - and further upgrades will be available.
The price is yet to be confirmed, as it won’t be available until later in the year, but estimates put the starting price at around £55,000.
Toyota GR86
Toyota’s GR86 is an RWD that manages to look vintage and modern at the same time, with a digital dash and a manual handbrake.
Like many of the RWDs on our list, the Toyota GR86 has great acceleration, going from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds - and power-wise, it delivers 234hp.
Unlike most sports cars, this one has rear seats and a boot, although both are very small. The GR86 has won much industry acclaim and was named in Car and Driver’s ‘10 Best List for 2024’.
The GR86 also features in many drivers’ ‘most wanted’ lists, especially given that it’s due to stop production in spring 2024. Get it while you can. Prices start at £32,495.
